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Women and the Wage Gap

As a follow-on to its 2024 Economic Issues for Women in Texas Report, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) has released new data on the impact of the wage gap on women, families, and the state’s economy.

In the white paper, “Texas Women and the Wage Gap: A Corporate Leader’s Guide to Driving Workforce Sustainability,” TXWF shares that the annual impact of the wage gap has grown 27% since 2019 to a staggering $60.1 billion annually in lost earnings and economic activity. Over her lifetime, the average Texas woman stands to lose $750,000 in earnings, impacting her ability to achieve economic security, stability and success – for herself and her family.    

Karen Hughes White, president and CEO of Texas Women’s Foundation, said, “Women represent 46% of the workforce in Texas and drive much of the growth and innovation of the state’s $2.4 trillion economy. Couple that with population projections that indicate the continued, outpaced growth of women in Texas and the business case is clear. To sustain the level of economic success we enjoy here in Texas, the time is now to invest in women and that starts with closing the wage gap.”

As a core pillar of its mission, TXWF invests in women’s lifecycle leadership development through programs like #BestSelf (teens); the statewide Young Women’s Initiative in partnership with IGNITE (college women); and networking groups like Nineteen (early to mid-career professionals) and the Executive Leadership Council. Each year TXWF recognizes outstanding women leaders at its Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Dallas Omni and will honor five recipients of the Maura “Women Helping Women” Awards and two Young Leaders under 40 years old.

Key findings from the white paper are highlighted below and are included in a Key Facts document available on the organization’s website, txwf.org/research. In addition, TXWF will be hosting free Work Smart™ salary negotiation workshops in partnership with the American Association of University Women. These virtual workshops will take place on April 17 and May 15 and participants can register online.

Hughes White added, “We’re releasing this data intentionally today. March 25th is recognized as ‘Equal Pay Day,’ representing the amount of extra time women have to work in order to earn as much as much as men did in the previous year. Unfortunately, this date is tied specifically to white women; Black and Hispanic women work much longer to achieve equal pay. The time is now to change that.” 

Texas Women & the Wage Gap: Key Findings:

  • Representing 46% of the Texas workforce, women play a pivotal role in driving the growth and innovation of the state's $2.4 trillion economy.
  • Texas women earn an average of 83% of what Texas men earn and Women of Color earn even less.
  • This equates to $60.1 billion in lost earnings for women each year and has a direct impact on consumer spending and economic growth.
  • The wage gap in Texas has widened over time, growing more than 27% since 2019.
  • Over her lifetime, the average Texas woman stands to lose $750,000 in earnings, impacting her ability to achieve economic security, stability, and success for herself and her family.
  • Sadly, the wage gap widens as women achieve advanced degrees. Women with graduate or professional degrees earn $37,000 less each year than their male counterparts.
  • The lack of access to affordable child care has an additional $11.4 billion annual impact in lost productivity.

To read the white paper and the 2024 Economic Issues for Women in Texas, visit www.txwf.org/research.

About Texas Women’s Foundation:

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $6 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and leadership programs. . Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $85 million in Texas women and girls. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 40th year, the need to build #StrongWomenBetterWorld has never been more critical.

The Foundation’s statewide research on the issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and leadership programs support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the impact investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

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KEEP IRVING BEAUTIFUL SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL AWARDS

“Mayor and KIB Awards” Honor Irving’s Difference Makers

 

(IRVING, TEXAS) - Keep Irving Beautiful is asking for nominations to be submitted for the 2025 “Mayor and KIB Annual Awards.”  These awards honor local individuals, organizations and businesses that have gone above and beyond in making significant contributions towards making Irving a better place to live, work, play or visit.  KIB will recognize the winners at a reception on Monday, August 4.  Categories include:

  • Youth Leadership
  • Educator
  • Business and Industry
  • Media
  • Faith Group
  • Civic/Nonprofit Organization
  • Government
  • Civil Servant
  • KIB Hometown
  • Margie Stipes Lifetime Achievement

 

 

Detailed descriptions of each award, a list of the previous year’s winners, and the current nomination form can be found by going to www.keepirvingbeautiful.org. Nominations can be submitted online, or can be downloaded, printed, and mailed or delivered to the KIB office at: 

Keep Irving Beautiful, 3000 Rock Island Road, Irving, TX 75060.

For more information, please contact KIB at 972-721-2175, or email rhose@IrvingTX.gov .

 

Nominations must be received by Friday, June 6, 2025.

 

Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating our community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of our city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of our city including government, business, church, cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations.  If you are interested in volunteering with KIB, or making your activity a “green event,” please go to Keep Irving Beautiful, or call (972) 721-2175.

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Registration for our 2025 Mansfield Tiger Volleyball Camp is open - sign your kiddos up now so they don't miss out on all the fun!!!!

2025 Mansfield Tiger Volleyball Camp
June 16th - 19th
@ Mansfield High School
Session I: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Incoming K-6th Graders)
Session II: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Incoming 7th Graders)
Session III: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Incoming 8th & 9th Graders)
 
2025 Mansfield Tiger Volleyball Camp - Online Registration: https://tinyurl.com/tigervbcamp2025 

Contact Head Volleyball Coach Julie Price @ julieprice@misdmail.org if you have any questions!
 
 
Stephanie Horne
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"PINWHEELS OF HOPE" Exhibit at Galleria Dallas Mural Preview Courtesy of DCAC

Last year, 27,934 child abuse cases were reported in Dallas County – one every 19 minutes, every day of the year. In April, Galleria Dallas will join the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) in shining a spotlight on this critical issue during Child Abuse Prevention Month.

DCAC is a leading nonprofit dedicated to investigating, prosecuting, and providing healing services for child abuse cases in Dallas County. Beginning Tuesday, April 1, the “Pinwheels of Hope” exhibit at Galleria Dallas will feature vibrant pinwheels, symbolizing the carefree and joyful nature of childhood and serving as the national emblem for child abuse prevention. “Pinwheels of Hope” will be on display on Level 1 near Sephora.

This larger-than-life garden, complete with 3D pinwheels, invites visitors to capture memorable photos, learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month and scan a donation QR code to support survivors and the free healing services DCAC provides, furthering its mission to protect and uplift children in need.

“We are excited to see our annual Pinwheels of Hope campaign grow and evolve, reaching new audiences and fostering greater awareness about child abuse prevention,” said Irish S. Burch, DCAC President and CEO. “This pinwheel display serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure all children experience the joyful childhoods they deserve.”

During the exhibit, DCAC will host a booth at Galleria Dallas' Good Market on April 4-5, located in the center's outdoor plaza near North Italia. The booth will offer family-friendly activities, such as pinwheel-inspired coloring, alongside educational information about child abuse prevention. At this seasonal market, participating vendors generously donate 10% of their sales to a local charity or nonprofit, with DCAC selected as the beneficiary for this spring’s event.

“Ninety-five percent of the abused children that DCAC serves know their offender, so educating the public about child-abuse prevention is critically important,” said Megan Townsend, Galleria Dallas Director of Marketing and Partnerships. “Galleria Dallas is proud to be able to share the missions of organizations like DCAC that do so much to help our community.”

In celebration of National Go Blue Day on Saturday, April 5, several prominent retailers at Galleria Dallas are uniting to demonstrate their commitment to child safety. Nordstrom, Build-A-Bear, Lane Boots, Knots & Loops, Gameday Connexion, Fossil, Inspiration Co., Lindsay Nicholas New York, and Deseri will showcase blue-themed window designs and pinwheels, embracing the official color of prevention.

EVENT INFORMATION

‘PINWHEELS OF HOPE’ DISPLAY

  • WHEN: April 1-25, 2025
  • WHERE: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas - Level I near Sephora
  • COST: Free

Members of the media are invited to attend the mural reveal event at Galleria Dallas on Tuesday, April 1 at 9:00 AM.

GOOD MARKET BENEFITING DCAC

  • WHEN April 4-5, 2025
  • WHERE: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas - Outdoor Plaza, near North Italia
  • Vendors will donate 10% of sales during the weekend to DCAC

About Galleria Dallas

Galleria Dallas is an iconic shopping center with a unique collection of more than 200 retailers, restaurants and experiences including Nordstrom, Macy’s, the world’s only GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy combo anchor, The Westin Galleria Dallas and the signature Galleria Ice Skating Center. Welcoming more than 12 million visitors annually, only Galleria Dallas delivers the consummate Dallas shopping experience. Visit galleriadallas.com for hours and to learn more about the shopping center. Galleria Dallas is owned by MetLife Investment Management, managed by Trade-mark Property Group, Inc. Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75240.

For Social Media: @GalleriaDallas #GalleriaDallas

About Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center

For over thirty years, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) has been dedicated to improving the lives of abused children in Dallas County and providing national leadership on child abuse issues. Since opening its doors in 1991 it has served more than 100,000 children and their eligible family members. The Center provides wraparound support services and evidence-based therapeutic counseling free of charge and brings together the agencies that handle criminal child abuse to work as a team reviewing, investigating, and prosecuting cases. DCAC’s coordinated approach results in more successful investigation and prosecution while providing a less traumatic response to children and families. For more information visit dcac.org.

For Social Media: @DallasCAC #DCAC

###

CONTACT: Stephanie Horne | 469-994-1629, Shorne@dcac.org

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All the restaurants founded by noted chef and restaurateur Kenny Bowers have grown with the premise that every day is a holiday and every meal a feast. The restaurants’ care and dedication to their guests is legendary. But now, the restaurant group is giving their most loyal fans the generous gift of free food!

All Kenny’s Restaurants, including the flagship restaurant, Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill, and Kenny’s Italian Kitchen, Kenny’s East Coast Pizza and Kenny’s Burger Joint in Frisco and Plano, are offering guests a VIP card. Every time the guest orders at one of the five Kenny’s restaurants, they’ll have the opportunity to have that card stamped.

  

When the spaces for each of the five locations have been stamped, diners merely mail in the card. They’ll then be rewarded with $200 in gift cards that can be used at any of the Kenny’s Restaurants.

“We really want to say thank you to the people who have supported our restaurants since we first opened Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill in 2005,” Bowers said. “I love the opportunity to introduce those fans to the experience at all of our restaurants.”

Bowers and partners Bob Stegall and Clay McAfee founded Kenny’s Restaurant Group with a dedication to customer-centered service and the recognition that hospitality is extended in every moment of guest interaction.  The restaurants are regularly lauded for their exceptional service and dedication to excellence. 

 

Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill 

kennyswoodfiredgrill.com
5000 Belt Line Road, #775
Dallas, TX 75254
(972) 392-9663

 

Kenny’s Italian Kitchen

kennysitalian.com

5100 Belt Line Road, Suite 764 (at Montfort)

Dallas, TX 75254

972-661-9380

 

Kenny’s East Coast Pizza

kennyseastcoastpizza.com

4701 W. Park Blvd., #101,

Plano, TX 75093

972-519-9669

 

Kenny’s Burger Joint

www.kennysburgerjoint.com

1377 Legacy Drive

Frisco, TX 75034

214-618-8001

 

Kenny’s Burger Joint

5809 Preston Road

Suite 588

Plano, TX 75093

972-378-0999

www.kennysburgerjoint.com

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Are you looking for a meaningful experience for your 8-11 year-old this summer?  The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) has a great opportunity!  Our camp was created to empower the next generation of volunteers and philanthropists by teaching campers:

  • The reality of senior hunger in our community
  • The importance of good nutrition
  • How to combat social isolation
  • The gift of volunteerism

Who can attend? The Meals on Wheels Kids Camp is for children 8-11 years old.  Each camp is limited to 20 campers.

When are the camps? Each camp is one day and will be hosted on the following days:

  • Tuesday, June 11 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
  • Tuesday, June 18 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
  • Tuesday, June 25 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
  • Tuesday, July 9 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm

For more information: www.vnatexas.org/kids-camp

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Dallas Academy is deeply grateful to the Hillcrest Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee, for their generous grant of $25,000 in support of providing transportation for students with learning differences. This transformative gift will enable Dallas Academy to purchase a new school van, ensuring that students have safe and reliable access to not only their educational needs, but also to extra-curricular activities, athletic programs, field trips, and a variety of enriching learning experiences.

Additionally, funds raised from this year’s DA Through the Decades auction contributed significantly to the purchase of this much-needed vehicle, further underscoring the community's dedication to supporting Dallas Academy's mission.

"Thank you so much for this wonderful news and the generous gift to Dallas Academy," said Elizabeth Murski, Head of School at Dallas Academy. "Transportation for our learning-different students is a critical need, as it allows them the freedom to participate in activities that are vital to their development. This grant, along with the funds raised through the DA Through the Decades auction, will make a tremendous difference in their lives and help us continue our mission of providing a supportive environment where every student can thrive."

The Hillcrest Foundation’s continued commitment to the students of Dallas Academy is a testament to their dedication to enhancing education and empowering young minds. This grant, coupled with the success of the auction, will provide an essential resource, allowing students the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of school life and ensure that transportation barriers no longer hinder their growth and development.

“We are sincerely grateful to The Hillcrest Foundation for supporting our school and our mission," Ms. Murski continued. "This partnership, along with the generous contributions from our DA Through the Decades auction, will make a lasting impact, and we look forward to the many ways in which this new van will help our students and their families.”

For more information about Dallas Academy and how it supports students with learning differences, please visit www.dallas-academy.com

About Dallas Academy

Dallas Academy is a private school dedicated to serving students with learning differences. Dallas Academy offers a structured, multisensory program for students with diagnosed learning differences which may include impairments in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and math (dyscalculia), ADD/ADHD, ASD (level 1), and memory and processing disorders. Our school meets students' special needs through a skilled faculty, a specialized academic program, small classes, individualized attention, accountability, and a wide range of creative, athletic, and social activities that draw our students in, keep them engaged, and enhance their learning.

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According to research collected by the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, graduates of all-girls schools perform better academically, have higher aspirations and are more likely than those attending coeducational schools to impact their communities and consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Dallas-based Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN), a nonprofit founded in 2002 whose mission is to support single-gender, college-preparatory, public education, operates 11 schools in 10 Texas independent school districts. YWPN’s model shows that all girls can excel when given the right opportunity. Now, the network is being lauded for its efforts.

On March 27, Western Governors University’s (WGU) School of Business will present the Elevate Award to YWPN in recognition of its exceptional work across Texas in empowering young women with the leadership skills and academic preparation needed for lifelong success. WGU's Elevate Award is given to individuals and organizations that contribute to high-quality learning opportunities and support the educational success of others.

Led by Mitsu Frazier, senior vice president and executive dean, the WGU School of Business empowers students to learn at the speed of business and earn the skills needed to achieve their professional goals.

"Education is the surest path to opportunity, and it sets individuals on a path to independence and freedom," Frazier said. "It is an honor to celebrate YWPN's impact on young women and recognize its commitment to shaping future leaders."

This recognition is especially meaningful as the award is being presented at the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School in Dallas, which was the first school opened by YWPN. The school’s namesake, Irma Lerma Rangel, was a trailblazing attorney, educator, legislator and mentor to Dr. Linda Garza Battles, WGU’s regional vice president, making this moment a deeply personal and inspiring tribute to the power of mentorship and education.

“YWPN’s dedication to equipping young women with the tools they need to excel academically and lead with confidence aligns with WGU’s mission to expand access, without excluding anyone,” Battles said.

YWPN CEO Lynn McBee will accept the award in a ceremony at 3 p.m. in the Rangel library. Prior to the ceremony, leaders from WGU’s School of Business, who are currently touring the nation to learn how to better serve students, will visit with Rangel students and see the school.

“This honor is very meaningful to us. Our schools have received many awards, but it’s rare for the network itself to receive such amazing recognition,” said Lynn McBee, CEO of Young Women’s Preparatory Network. “The Elevate Award is made even more special with Dr. Battles’ connection to our Dallas school’s namesake. We are very appreciative of WGN for this acknowledgment of our team’s hard work.”

Created in 2022, WGU’s Elevate Awards have been given to nearly 25 individuals and organizations, from school administrators and faculty to Fortune 100 companies across the nation.

About Young Women’s Preparatory Network
Founded in 2002, Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN) is a non-profit agency that partners with public school districts across the state of Texas to operate the largest network of all-girls, public, college preparatory schools in the nation. The schools have won multiple awards, including being recognized among the top public schools in Texas and the nation. During 2024-2025, YWPN is serving over 5,700 students in the 6th-12th grades through its Network of schools in the following school districts: Aldine, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, and Ysleta. The YWPN educational model is a catalyst for positive educational change.

Most YWPN students are girls of color who come from low-income households, where often they are the first in their families to graduate high school and attend college. One hundred percent of YWPN students graduate high school and are accepted into a four-year college or university. Last year, the 378 members of the YWPN statewide Class of 2024 earned more than $120 million in academic and merit-based scholarships to attend college.

To learn more, visit www.youngwomensprep.org.

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Dan's Bagels will offer a braided bagel bursting with Rangers spirit!

Baseball season starts next week and Dan’s Bagels in Trophy Club is celebrating. Our hometown Texas Rangers kick things off with a four-day homestand against Boston from March 27-30, and Dan’s will offer customers a specialty bagel to usher in the season.  

 

On special occasions, Dan’s Bagels features its popular Rainbow Bagel – a colorful, hand-twisted sourdough bagel. To mark the start of the America’s favorite pastime, Dan’s special Rainbow Bagel will be a vibrant swirl of dough in our team colors, ready to be enjoyed as is or topped with your choice of house-made schmears and fixings.

 

For an extra festive twist, top the red, white and blue Rainbow Bagel with the limited-time Funfetti Cream Cheese laced with red and blue sprinkles. The Rainbow Bagel and Funfetti Cream Cheese are available March 27-30.

 

 

 

Made from scratch daily using a recipe developed by founder Dan Hilbert in 2020, the sourdough bagels are both crispy and chewy, and more flavorful than other bagels. Dan’s Bagels is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays, at 301 Trophy Lake Drive in Trophy Club.

 

About Dan’s Bagels

Dan’s Bagels are scratch-made and baked fresh daily from classic, premium ingredients using a recipe developed by founder Dan Hilbert in 2020. The sourdough bagels use modern fermentation methods making them both crispy and chewy, and resulting in a more flavorful bagel that is better for gluten sensitivity, has a lower glycemic level and is easier to digest. Dan’s Bagels opened its first location in Trophy Club, Texas, in 2021. To learn more, follow Dan’s Bagels on Instagram or at dansbagels.com. For franchisee information, visit dansbagels.com/franchise. 

 

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Since 1968, THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson has raised an impressive $186 million for Momentous Institute, a leading mental health organization with more than 100 years of experience strengthening the mental health of children and families in the U.S. and around the globe. On Tuesday, March 18, Jon Drago, Tournament Director of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, headlined the McKinney Chamber of Commerce’s esteemed CEO Breakfast Series hosted at The Lodge at Trinity Falls.

 

THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson will return for its 5th year at McKinney’s TPC Craig Ranch on May 1-4, 2025. The four-day televised event is part of a five-year agreement with the PGA of America that brings thousands of visitors, economic opportunities, and international attention to the City of McKinney. With over 30 years of experience in professional golf—including leadership roles with the PGA of America and major tournaments like the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship—Drago captivated the audience with invaluable insights on event management, community engagement, and driving organizational success.

 

The discussion was dynamic, the connections were impactful, and the takeaways were truly inspiring. Adding to the excitement, three lucky attendees were randomly selected to receive $100 gift cards from Broken Yolk Cafe for a future catering order from the popular restaurant located at District 121, making for a morning of meaningful dialogue and delightful surprises.

 

About Trinity Falls:
Trinity Falls is a vibrant 2,000-acre master-planned community where natural beauty and exceptional amenities combine to create a spectacular lifestyle. Our award-winning builders offer a vast selection of floor plans, design finishes and options to fit any lifestyle including one- and two-story single-family homes, townhomes and a 127-acre age restrictive neighborhood for 55+ active adults.